2003 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls and problems

The 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada has 7 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Oldsmobile dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
27
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Oldsmobile Bravada recalls

Recall 05V-198: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 5, 2005 · 286,478 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (Up or down) may cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.

Risk: The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, buick at 1-866-608-8080, and oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

Recall 04V-527: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.

Risk: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 04V-046: Visibility

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (Moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.

Risk: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 03V-250: Equipment

Reported Jul 15, 2003 · 1,707,825 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

Recall 03V-151: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 23, 2003 · 44,653 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a left-front brake pipe with a circumferential score at a random location along the length of the pipe as the result of the manufacturing process. If the brake pipe partially or fully fractured, brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced.

Risk: If braking performance is reduced, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left-front brake pipe. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-8006.

Recall 03V-075: Power Train

Reported Mar 6, 2003 · 511,167 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.

Risk: These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.

Fix: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

Recall 02V-222: Air Bags

Reported Aug 9, 2002 · 133,221 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

Risk: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

2003 Oldsmobile Bravada problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Power Train6
Air Bags4
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Seats2
Structure2
Steering2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Visibility1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jan 6, 2016
Recall was issued and a letter was sent to me, we havent driven the SUV for the past 18 months because of the gasoline smell when were sitting in it, and it was leaking gas, would have gotten it fixed but cant afford it.
Air Bags · at 127,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2015
The contact owns a 2003 oldsmobile bravada. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle causing significant damage to the front end. During the crash, the airbags did not deploy. The driver suffered an injured right knee and the front passenger suffered a head and neck injury. Both required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed but the cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000. Updated 03/16/16
Air Bags · at 129,000 miles · reported Jan 29, 2015
When I turned the key to start the car, my air bags deployed. I reported this to GM. Gm refused to send anyone down to inspect the bravada to see what made the air bags deployed. Gm stated it would cost too much money to find out. I want to prevent anyone from getting killed. I or my passenger or both would have been killed if this had happened while I had been driving. This needs to be investigated.
Air Bags · at 128,959 miles · reported Dec 21, 2014
When I turned the key to start the bravada, both air bags deployed at the same time. Driver air bag struck me on the right side of my face causing burning sensation and redness.
Electrical System · at 19,780 miles · reported Jun 30, 2014
Heading west on emerald parkway between riverside drive and dublin road in dublin, oh my bravada stalled, the gauges went wild, the power steering went out and the brakes would not work. I managed to avoid other traffic and coast the bravada onto dublin road (Turning left) and get it stopped off the road under the overpass. The bravada would not restart, and the key would not release from the ignition switch. Crestview cadillac could not diagnose the problem. Decosky motors in mount vernon, oh (Where the vehicle was purchased new) knew right away what the problem was because they had had…

Other Oldsmobile Bravada years

Compare all Oldsmobile Bravada years · All Oldsmobile models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada: 05V-198 (exterior lighting), 04V-527 (exterior lighting), 04V-046 (visibility), 03V-250 (equipment), 03V-151 (service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by power train (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Oldsmobile recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Oldsmobile dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.